A How-to Guide on Removing Grease Stains from Workwear:

Removing grease stains from workwear is a common problem for many. Whether you are a chef or mechanic, grease stains happen. So what can you do to remove them? There are a couple different options, depending on your situation. The first, and most basic, is as follows.

1. Removing Stains Grease from Workwear with Presoak

If the grease stain has already been sitting for some time, this is going to be your best option. If you’re a mechanic with Red Kap uniforms, this is for you. Blot the grease stain with a paper towel, being careful not to rub the grease stain into your work pants, work shirts, or coveralls.Keep blotting until no more grease comes out of your workwear. At that point, you will want to use a stain remover item such as Resolve, or Spray ‘n’ Wash. Work the stain remover into the fabric with a brush, and then soak the workwear items for a couple hours before washing. After the presoak, you can wash your work pants, work shirts, and coveralls, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not place workwear items in the dryer when treating grease stains! Allow uniforms to air dry, and then check the grease stains. Repeat the process as needed. If uniforms with grease stains go through the dryer, the heat will set the stains, making them impossible to remove.

2. Removing Grease Stains from Work Clothing with a Powder

If the grease stain is fresh, this is a great option to try. Chefs with Red Kap uniforms, try this the next time the deep fryer gives you some grease stains. Immediately after receiving the stain, use a powder-like substance to soak up the grease. Baby powder and cornstarch are both good options. Work the baby powder, or cornstarch, into the stain, allowing it to absorb the grease. If your chef jackets are white, this is a really good option for you. If your jackets are black, you might want to use the presoak method. Using powder on your work pants, work shirts, and coveralls, works if you have time to treat the spot quickly. After allowing the powder to soak up the grease, you can wash the items as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Again, do not dry with heat until you are sure the grease stain has been removed. Air dry to check.

3. Removing Grease Stains from Workwear with Dishwashing Soap, and Other Creative Solutions

Since grease stains are such a common occurrence, there are a wide variety of methods available for treating them. You may have heard that dishwashing soap, like Dawn, cuts the grease on dishes, and some people swear by it for workwear as well. Simply work the dishwashing soap into the grease stain on your work shirts, work pants, etc., and then wash as directed by the manufacturer. Air dry to see if the stain removal was complete. Other creative solutions to remove grease stains include hair spray and aloe vera. Simply spray hair spray onto the grease stain, and then wash normally. Air dry to check stain removal. Try working aloe vera into the stain, and then wash normally. Air dry to check stain removal. If the stain has set, try spraying WD-40 on the stain, and the treating as a fresh grease stain. The powder method is probably your best bet for that one. As always, air dry to make sure that the grease stain has been completely removed from work clothing items.

Creative solutions for removing grease stains is all about what you have on hand. Presoaking your workwear with a stain remover item is generally the best way to remove recent grease stains. If you can catch the grease quickly enough, using powder is your best option. Remember, always air dry your uniforms after washing to check for stain removal before using a hot dryer.